Mile High Mountain

Mile High Mountain is a 12.3 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Desert Lodge, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from November until April.

DISTANCE

12.3 miles

ELEVATION GAIN

5108 feet

ROUTE TYPE

Out & Back

backpacking

birding

hiking

nature trips

walking

views

wild flowers

wildlife

rocky

off trail

no shade

This 12+ mile hike takes 10 hours if done correctly and you will gain well over 5,000 feet of elevation. The hike is strenuous due to the long and difficult route.
Once you get high enough up, you are rewarded with stunning views of the Salton Sea.
The most direct route up the mountain is the ridge forming the west wall of Palo Verde Canyon. After walking towards the canyon opening about a mile, walk another 1.5 miles up the canyon to 1,900 ft and then look for a faint steep trail up to the ridge-line. There is a sharp bend just before you get to 1,900 ft.